My Town: New director on the job at troubled hospital | Families

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KALAMAZOO, Mich.— The Michigan Department of Community Health hopes a new director will usher in a new era for a Kalamazoo hospital, under investigation for alleged abuse of patients.

Jill Krause's first day at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital is Jan. 7. Krause has more than 21 years of experience in behavioral health, most recently serving as the director of the adult mental illness division of Network180 in Kent County.

“As a department, we are committed to providing quality care to the patients at Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital,” said Tim Becker, deputy director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “We continue to make important progress in ensuring the safety of our patients and staff, and I am confident that Jill’s experience and leadership will help us carry this momentum forward.”

Last month, the MDCH announced the return of 13 of the 28 employees who were suspended as part of the investigation. The reinstated workers spent a week learning Non-Abusive Psychological and Physical Intervention methods.

As part of its investigation, the MDCH called in Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services to independently evaluate the hospital. The probe into the hospital’s organizational structure and staff is expected to run through January.

Krause takes over for Allen Jansen, who filled in as director after Cynthia Kelly returned her focus on serving as director of the Bureau of Hospitals and Administrative Operations within MDCH. Kelly was taking on both roles from May to October when former director James Coleman came under scrutiny for failing to report the March death of a 68-year-old patient. Coleman resigned in June.